Introduction to Psychology for High Schoolers at Vanderbilt University

Course Description: Introduction to Psychology for High Schoolers at Vanderbilt University

Discover the World of Psychology: A Summer Course for Aspiring Minds

Embark on an intellectual journey into the captivating world of psychology, a discipline that intricately weaves together the threads of mental processes and human behavior. This summer, ignite your curiosity and expand your understanding with our comprehensive Psychology Course, designed for motivated learners eager to delve into this multifaceted field. Whether your aspirations lie in research, social work, clinical psychology, or any related profession, this course offers a solid foundation in psychological theories, historical milestones, and their contemporary applications in everyday life.

Through engaging discussions, interactive simulations, and thought-provoking case studies, students will explore sub-disciplines such as cognitive, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology. Activities include personality assessments, memory games, ethical debates, and simulations of real-world scenarios, allowing students to reflect on their behavior and thinking patterns, gaining deeper insights into themselves and others.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Gain a foundational understanding of core psychological theories and principles.

• Engage in interactive activities that bring psychological concepts to life.

• Explore ethical issues in psychological research through debates and discussions.

• Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing human behavior and mental processes.

• Obtain a Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition to enhance your academic portfolio.

Location

Our Psychology Course is part of the esteemed program at Vanderbilt University. Nestled in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt's picturesque campus offers a stimulating environment for learning and personal growth. Students will benefit from modern classrooms equipped with the latest technology, creating an ideal setting for academic exploration and discovery.

Course Description

Core Psychology Program

• Mornings: Dive into the foundations of psychology with engaging lectures and discussions that cover key theories, historical figures, and influential research studies.

• Afternoons: Participate in hands-on activities such as conducting memory experiments, creating "Psychologist Trading Cards," debating classic experiments like Milgram's and the Stanford Prison simulations, and analyzing film clips through a psychological lens.

• Final Project: Culminate your learning experience by applying psychological theories to examine their portrayal in the media. This project encourages critical thinking and connects classroom learning to real-life situations, culminating in a presentation that showcases your acquired knowledge.

Admission Criteria

To embark on this enriching journey, an interest in understanding the science behind human behavior is essential. Prospective students must complete the Summer Institute Application to secure their place in this transformative program.

Who Should Attend

This course is tailored for aspiring researchers and mental health professionals seeking to lay the groundwork for a successful academic and professional career. It offers an introduction to the fundamentals of psychology, helping students determine if a professional track in this field aligns with their aspirations.

Benefits

Beyond an immersive university-level course experience, students will leave with portfolio-building documentation that recognizes their summer achievements:

• A Course Completion Certificate from the Summer Institute at Vanderbilt program.

• A Letter of Recognition acknowledging your academic success in this course.

Join us this summer and take the first step toward a deeper understanding of psychology and its profound impact on our world.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

• For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 Vanderbilt University – Campus Profile (Nashville, TN)

Vanderbilt University offers an inspiring summer environment where academic rigor meets the vibrant cultural spirit of Nashville, Tennessee. Known for its outstanding faculty, collaborative learning atmosphere, and world-class facilities, Vanderbilt provides students with a meaningful pre-college experience rooted in innovation, creativity, and discovery.

Located in the heart of “Music City,” the campus blends Southern hospitality with top-tier research, arts, and technology. Students enjoy access to modern labs, digital makerspaces, libraries, and interactive learning environments, while also exploring Nashville’s rich history, music scene, and lively urban energy. It’s an ideal setting for academically driven students seeking both challenge and adventure.

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✨ Program Environment

• Designed for motivated students interested in business, computing, leadership, technology, creative arts, and innovation

• Full-day academies developed and taught by Vanderbilt-affiliated instructors

• Hands-on coursework with access to university labs, studios, and learning facilities

• Supportive academic community that encourages exploration, ingenuity, and professional development

• Balanced schedule combining rigorous academics with rich cultural and recreational activities

• Located in one of America’s most exciting cities, offering endless music, history, food, and outdoor attractions

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏫 Use of Vanderbilt academic facilities

• 🏨 Housing (residential programs)

• 🧺 Laundry

• 🍽 Meals:

• Three meals per day Monday–Friday

• Two meals on Sunday

• No meals on Saturday (excursion day)

• 🎡 Daily afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreational facilities

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Certain specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🛏 Linens

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA).

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🎡 Top Activities in Nashville, Tennessee

• 🏛 Visit the Nashville Parthenon

• 🌲 Explore Radnor Lake State Park

• 🎵 Learn about music history at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and RCA Studio B

• 🐾 Visit the Nashville Zoo

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🌳 Visit Centennial Park

• 🗿 Explore 50+ outdoor sculptures across campus and the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery

• 🥗 Eat at Grins — Nashville’s oldest vegetarian and certified Kosher restaurant

• 🤝 Meet friends in popular social spaces like Alumni Lawn, Rand Decks, and Wyatt Stairs